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Comment

I found this photo online. Can anybody tell me what's that black stuff under cleanout? why need it?

thishomeowner:

It appears to be a Fernco coupling also known as a Fernco fitting although it could be a different brand coupling than Fernco. It's a way to couple two pipes together in such a way that the connection can be disconnected later.

In Boston you don't get too many earthquakes so I'm thinking the local or State code doesn't require a flexible connection at the slab.

It might be that the pipe coming out of the floor is slightly crooked and the plumber used the Fernco to let him run the rest of the stack straight. (Just a guess).

Other than that the clean out tee could have been located where the Fernco is so I'm not sure why it's there.

Comment

It's a fernco type coupling that you don't need. There are any number of reasons why it was put there. All possibilities stated are logical assumptions. It could be as simple as the plumber painting himself into a corner and having to do it that way. If the pipe coming through slab and is cut square then the CP33 coupling is the better option

Comment

could it be that the underground is cast iton/ no hub pipe and the band is the transition between the metal and pvc.

fyi, all rubber bands/ non shielded are not legal here for indoor work. only outdoor.

if that's a 3'', then the band would be a cp33.

rick.

Rick,

An enlargement of the image shows what appears to be a thin strip of white below the fernco but above that enormous nail plate. So I'm guessing it's PVC in the underground. Although it could conceivably be cast with some cement slopped on it from when the slab was poured. I hope the enlargement comes through. (It's 3x and rather pixilated)

Regardless, a Mission CP33 would be preferable in this case to the fernco. Although the homeowner could purchase a stainless steel band to go over the Fernco. If I were the homeowner that's probably what I would do.

Comment

1. Fernco type coupling, possibly for expansion and contraction, but pipe should have been wrapped or isolated, so as not to come in contact with cement (different expansion and contraction rates). Misision CP (castiron to plastic) 33 is the listed choice for transitions between different material CK = ( COPPER TO PLASTIC, STEEL OR CAST). As long as the listing approves the use (or it is required) you can leave the coupling.

2. non sheilded couplings typically are not allowed inside of structures this includes below ground, I have found in the listings of the manufacturerer some that are approved.

3. the ginormous plate is now required (both top and bottom) if your municipality has adopted the I.P.C. codes